Viscosity control in yarn sizing



June 19, 1951 J. A. CARRIER 2,557,341

VISCOSITY CONTROL IN YARN SIZING v 7 Filed Nov. 28, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG./

INVENTOR. JOSEPH ALF/7E0 KAfiR/ER June 19, 1951 J. A. CARRIER VISCOSITY CONTROL IN YARN sxzmc 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 28, 1947 60x .0. k R? a 18, i 91 N hk INVENTOR.

m M D E m M E m Patented June 19, 1951 VISCOSITY CONTROL IN YARN SIZING Joseph Alfred Carrier, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, assignor to Dominion Textile Company Limited, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, a corporation of the Dominion of Canada Application November 28, 1947, Serial No. 788,502 In Canada November 19, 1947 Claims. 1

Introduction This invention relates to sizing of yarns, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for maintaining the size, being applied to the yarn, within a predetermined range of consistency.

In preparing size to be applied to yarn, the conventional method isto mix and cook the size to a predetermined consistency and temperature, in a cooking vessel. This mix is pumped into a feed vessel and from there is fed to the slasher size box through a pipeline. The proper temperature is maintained in the feed kettle and the slasher box by live steam. The yarn is passed through the size box on a series of rollers where it absorbs the size, the sized yarn then being dried and wound. The sized quality and the evenness of the sizing applied to the warp yarn depends for the most part upon the maintaining of the size in the size box within a desired range of consistency.

Several factors, including the live steam injected to maintain the proper temperature, the friction of the pipeline and the yarn removing solids while passing through the size tend to vary the consistency of the size in the size box, and the cooking vessel and thence the quality of the sized warp yarn.

The present invention deals fundamentally with these conditions, and its aim is to provide a thoroughly practical method for maintaining the consistency of size, which is being pumped to the slasher size box within a predetermined range.

Statement of invention With this and other objects in mind, the apparatus of the invention includes a vessel from which size of predetermined consistency is pumped to the slasher size box, and a first source from which size of a light consistency is fed into the vessel, and a second source from which size of a heavier consistency is fed into the vessel to compensate for losses in consistency of the size in the vessel. Means for periodically measuring the consistency of the size being pumped to the slasher are provided and means responsive to the consistency measurement are adapted to control the flow from the first and second size sources depending upon the consistency measure-.-

ment of the size being pumped. In combination with the control apparatus is a'level control actuated by the level of the size in the vessel which renders inoperative a phase of the control 2 apparatus, thus preventing flow of size from either source if the level of the size in this vessel is above a predetermined level.

More specifically, in the apparatus of the invention there is a passageway leading from the feed kettle to the size box, and there is a passageway leading from the first storage kettle to the feed kettle, :and another passageway leading fromthe second storage kettle to the feed kettle. Each passageway is controlled by a valve.

In accordance with the invention, the consistency of the size is measured periodically, as for.

example by a displacement piston viscometer, and the viscometer having a fixed stroke in which the time taken for the plunger to pass through this stroke is governed by the consistency of the size. Instrumentalities capable of translating this time into movement of relative length depending on the time include a member having a first position corresponding to a starting or zero measurement, and a second position corresponding to a measurement indicating very light consistency size, a third position corresponding to a measurement indicating size just below the desired consistency, and a fourth position corresponding to a measurement indicating size within a range of the desired consistency.

Valve operating instrumentalities are provided so that the valves are operated to provide size from the first storage kettle or the second storage kettle, or both, to adjust the consistency of the size in the feed kettle in accordance with the requirements as indicated by the consistency measurement.

These instrumentalities include preferably an electrically operated and electrically movable members Whose movements are through circuit means controlled relative to those of the plunger. Linkage connects this member with a rocker arm upon which is adjustably mounted a mercury switch, which by the position assumed by the rocker arm is adapted to open or close the light source controlling valve. A cam face on the rocker arm is workably contacted by a pivotally mounted member upon which is mounted a second mercury switch, said second mercury switch being adapted, depending on the position assumed by the rocker arm, to open or close the heavy source controlling valve. Electrical circuits connect the respective switches with the proper valve.

Third and fourth mercury switches, one of which is connected in series across each of the valve controlling circuits, are actuated into open and closed positions by a level actuated float control in the feed kettle. Said third and fourth mercury switches are adapted to open the valve controlling circuits, thereby neutralizing the operation of the first two switches if the level of the size in the feed kettle is above a predetermined level.

Detailed description Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, reference being made to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic layout of the three size vessels, the slasher size box, the pipe connections, pumps, and control apparatus.

Figure 2 diagrammatically illustrates in an enlarged view the control and the method of connection with a recording instrument.

Figure 3 illustrates in enlarged side elevation a preferred construction of the motor cam operated displacement piston for measuring the consistency of the size. I

Figure 4 illustrates in front elevation the mounting of the cam and piston illustrated in Figure 3. I

With reference to Figure 1, by way of example, three size vessels or kettles are shown, the first being the feed vessel I I having a circulating pipe-' line It, through which size of desired consistency is pumped from the feed vessel II, by a pump ll past the slasher size box I and returned to the feed vessel II. A feed line I! from said circulating pipe II to the slasher size box It is controlled by a valve II. A bleed line I. connecting the size box I! to the return portion of the circulatcirculating ,line i2 is controlled by a valve 23 and is adapted to provide a controlled flow of size through the size box I. A back pressure valve II is disposed in the circulating line I! between the take oi! oi the feed line [1 and the re-entry point of the bleed line ll.

The numeral designates the heavy consistency size storage vessel, into which size of a relatively. heavyconsistency is fed through pipeline II from a preparing or cooking kettle (not shown on drawings). Heavy size from vessel 20 is pumped by pump 22 through a cireulatiii'g pipeline 24 back into the vessel 20. A feed'line 2! connected to said circulating line 24 is adapted to feed size from the circulating line 24 into the feed vessel II. A motor valve 42 disposed in the I feed line 25 controls the flow 01 heavy size into the feed vessel ll, thus providing a controlled source-of heavy size. A back pressure valve 21 is disposed in the return portion oi the circulating line 24.

A third storage vessel It is provided for light consistency size, which is fed from a preparing or cooking kettle (not shown on drawings) through a pipeline 2!. A pump II is adapted to circulate the light size from the vessel 28 through a pipeline ll returning it to its source (vessel II). A pipeline 3| connected to the circulating line I! is adapted to allow a flow of size from the circulating pipe ll into the reed vessel ll, said flow being controlled by a motor valve 44, thus providing a controlled source of light size to vessel IO. For the purpose of mixing the two consistencies of size being fed into the vessel ll, the two pipelines 2| and Il may be joined, as illustrated, or may flow independently into the vessel. A back pressure valve I is provided in the return portion of the line ll.

Temperature is maintained at a desired degree 4 in all three vessels and the slasher box by live steam lines 32.

The applicant through the use of a cylinder 36 and displacement piston ll has developed a means for periodically measuring the consistency of the size in the vessel II, or more particularly, the consistency of the size that is being circulated in the pipeline l2, and this measuring device may be linked directly or indirectly to the flow control apparatus, thus controlling the flow 0! size from the size sources. For descriptive purposes the applicant has placed a recording instrument 4| in conjunction with the measuring device, but the actual recording plays no part in the control other than the rotary movement of the recording pen arm mount or mounting spindle it.

The measuring device The measuring device, for example, may consist of a cylinder 36 into which a bleed line It is adapted to feed size drawn either from the kettle II or from the circulating pipeline II. A displacement piston slidably mounted in said cylinder 36 and controlled by a cam 3t and motor assembly, is timed at intervals to rise, drawing into the cylinder a given quantity of size from the pipe 46 and then allowed to fall displacing the size contained in the cylinder 30 through openings 31 in the walls of the cylinder 38.

The time interval which the piston takes to descend, displacing the size, is converted by means of motors, relays and other parts into motion, such as the motion supplied to the mounting of a recording pen on a recording instrument 'of the type diagrammatically illustrated at ,"Figum 1 and 2 and? connected to the measuring device by circuit 3!. For purposes of description this type of recording instrument will be included.

The. recording device consists of mechanism to actuate a rotatably mounted spindle 5| on which is mounted --'a recording pen arm II which is adapted to record on a rotating chart I! the measurement according to the viscosity of the displaced size.

The selector and flow control Workably connected to the pen arm mount or spindle II of the recording apparatus ll is a selector and flow control apparatus, generally designated as 4|, adapted through electrical circuits II and I! to actuate the valves 42 and 44, and thus control the flow from either vessel II or II into the feed vessel ll.

A pivotally mounted rocker arm 52 is linked at one end by means of link members It to a second pivotally mounted rocker arm Cl. An extension on said arm 80 is adapted to slidably contact a member which is rigidly fixed to the pen arm mounting spindle It, whereby the rocker arm 52 is actuated by the recording movement of the spindle 5|. The rocker arm 82, which is substantially T shaped, is cam shaped at the T end to provide a depressed area 82 and we raised portions 64- respectively, at each end thereof. Rigidly mounted on the body of said rocker arm 52 is a supporting member I carrying a mercury switch II, this member I or the endisincontactwiththecamfaceoftherocker arm I2, is a roller member 12 which adlustably supports on an extension 1|, a mercury switch It. Connecting the mercury switch II with a motor operated valve 44 in the pipeline 3| is an electrical circuit 80. Connecting the mercury switch I6 with a motor operated valve 42 in the pipeline 25 is electrical circuit 83.

A level control apparatus is connected in series with the circuits 80, 83 so as to prevent the closing of the circuit 83 and the consequent opening of the valve 42 when the size in the vessel I has reached its maximum level and to prevent the closing of the circuit 80 and the consequent opening of the valve 44 when the level of the size in the vessel I0 has reached a normal or predetermined point. This level control apparatus in a preferred form comprises of a ball float 90 connected to a rod 92 upon which is mounted an outstanding collar 04. The float 90 is located within the vessel I0 so that it rests upon the surface of the size and is adapted to move up and down in accordance with the changing levels of the size within the vessel. Pivotally mounted in the upward and downward path of the collar 94 as it is actuated by the float 90 are a pair of mercury switches I00 and I02. The switch I02 is connected in series across the circuit 83, also controlled by the mercury switch 16, and is positioned so that it is normally in the closed position. With this arrangement, the flow of heavy size from the vessel 20 is controlled by the closing or opening of the switch 16 except when the size rises above the maximum level in the vessel I0. When the size has reached this level the switch I02 is tripped by the collar 94 as it is raised on the float 90 to break the circuit 83 and thus the valve 42 is closed until the size again recedes sufliciently to cause the collar 94 to drop and close the switch I02 so as to place the circuit 83 once more under the control of the switch 16.

The mercury switch I00 is connected in series across the circuit 80 that is also controlled by the mercury switch I0. The switch I00 is positioned so that it is normally in the closed position completing the circuit so that the circuit 80 is under the control of the switch 10. When the level of the size within the vessel I0 reaches the desired predetermined level the collar 94 contacts the switch I00 so as to break the circuit 80 to allow the valve 44 to close irregardless of the position of the switch 10. When the level of the size in the vessel I0 has again descended below the required level, the collar 94 again contacts the switch I00 and closes it to complete the circuit 80 and place it again under the control of the mercury switch I0.

Operation of the selector and flow control Assuming, for descriptive purposes, that the recording chart 53 is graduated outwardly from 0 to 100 with zero adjacent the center. As the size is drawn into the cylinder 36 and at a predetermined position relative to the upstroke of the piston 48 within the cylinder 36, the spindle 36, the spindle 50 is partially rotated in a counterclockwise direction so that the pen arm 5| is swung into the zero position relative to the chart. As the piston 48 gradually descends, the spindle 50 is now rotated in a clockwise direction moving the pen arm outwardly toward the outer periphery of the recording chart.

The longer the piston 48 takes to displace the size and descend after its release, the further outward the pen arm 5| will swing and consequently the extent of this movement is controlled by the consistency of the size.

For explanatory purposes we will assume 56% as v the required size consistency. The timing cycle operating the motor, cam, and piston, which for example, is set at 10 minute intervals, has just started and the pen arm 5| has dropped to zero and through the leverage 54, 56, 58 and 60 has revolved the rocker arm 52 in a counterclockwise direction to one extreme. In this position of the rocker arm 52, the pivotally mounted roller 12 which is counterbalanced into contact with the cam end of the rocker arm 52, is tilted in a counter-clockwise manner by contact with the raised portion 66 of the cam, thus tilting the mercury switch 16 to the open position, breaking the circuit 03, to allow the valve 42 to close and prevent flow of heavy size from the vessel20 to the feed vessel I 0.

At the same time the mercury switch 10, which is preferably adjustably mounted on the arm 68 is also tilted in a counter-clockwise position to break the circuit and allow the valve 44 to close and prevent the fiow of light size from the vessel 26 to the feed vessel I0.

In the next position, or position two, the arm 5| moves to an outwardly position intermediate the desired consistency and the initial or zero point, for example to about the 25% mark which would indicate that the consistency of the size is too light. In this position the movement of the arm 5| is suflicient to allow the rocker arm 52 to rotate in a clockwise direction so that the roller I2 falls into the cam depression 62 and the switch I6 closes, energizing the circuit 83 and opening the valve 42 to allow heavy size to flow from the vessel 20 to the feed vessel I0. While this movement is suflicient to actuate the switch I6, the corresponding movement of the arm 68 is not ,enough to actuate the switch I0 which remains open and so the valve 44 remains closed.

In the third position the arm 5| moves to a position relative to the recording dial that indicates that the size is almost the desired consistency, for example 50%. In this position the arm 5| has moved a suflicient distance to rotate the rocker arm 52 and the attached arm 68 to a position where the switch I0 is closed and so the circuit 80 is energized and the valve 44 opened allowing a flow of light size from the vessel 26 into the vessel I0. This movement is not sufficient to move the roller 12 from the cam depression 62 so that the switch 76 also remains closed and the flow of heavy size continues. Now we have a condition where the consistency of the size is almost that desired so that a mixture of light and heavy size is allowed to flow into the feed vessel I0.

The last and fourth'position of the arm 5| is when the arm 5| moves to the 56% position or the consistency desired. This further movement of the arm 5| allows the rocker arm 52 to rotate to the other extreme position and brings the cam portion 64 into contact with the roller 12 to tilt the switch I6 in a counter-clockwise direction to break the circuit 83 and allow the valve 42 to close, shutting oil the flow of heavy size from the vessel 20 to the feed vessel I0. As the size has now reached the desired consistency the feed vessel I0 is being supplied from the light consistency size vessel 26 only and will continue to do so until the measuring means indicate that the size has deviated from the desired consistency and at which time the operations of positions two or three will again repeat until the desired consistency is once more obtained.

Throughout the'pen arm's outward movement from I' to the assumed predetermined measureass-mu ment of 56% this condition of switches remains, governed only by the level float control assembly ll etc, which can break or open either circuit, as for example when the levelof the size in vessel ll reaches normal, the switch I is opened, breaking the circuit ll and thus stopping the flow through valve 44, and when the level reaches maximum the switch ll: is opened breaking the circuit", stopping the fiow through valve 42.

The position of the mercury switch II can be adjusted on the arm 6| so that the closing oi this switch and the subsequent opening of the valve ll allowing light size to fiow from the vessel 26 to the vessel Ill, can be pre-set to occur at any selected point throughout the measuring cycle. This provides for flexibility of the controls so that they may be set to suit individual requirements. For example, the switch I. can be set so that it is tilted into the closed position at the start oi the cycle with the pen arm registering zero and is maintained in the closed position throughout the outward movement of the pen arm Ii. When the switch I. is set in this position the valve 44 is controlled solely by the opening and closing of the mercury switch III as actuated by the level control apparatus. With the controls in this position light size is delivered constantly from the vessel 23 to the vessel III irregardless of the movements of the pen arm II and the valve 44 is closed only when the level of the size in the vessel It is sufliciently high to bring the collar 94 into contact with the switch III so as to break the circuit 80. When the level of the size again falls below the predetermined normal level, the collar 94 on its downward path contacts the switch Hi0 to close the circuit 80 and reopen the valve 44. In this set up, the consistency of the size is maintained entirely through the addition of heavy size from the vessel 2. as controlled by the switch It in accordance with the movements of the pen arm Ii, the flow of light size being controlled only by the level of the size within the vessel ll.

Thus it will be seen that disregarding the level control, the valves 42- are adapted to assume open or shut positions according to the consistency of the size either in the kettle II or being pumped to the size box I, which is being measured and recorded by the pen arm it. For instance in the case of the measurement indicating size of a lighter consistencythan required, the valve will assume positions allowing a flow of heavy size into the kettle II, or if themeasurement indicates size within a range oi the proper consistency the valves assume a position allowing a now of normal consistency size into the kettle ll.

The sub-titles used throughout the specification are merely to simplify reference thereto an should otherwise be disregarded.

I claim:

1. A consistency control device comprising of a feed kettle adapted to contain size of a consistency for feeding-to a slasher size box, a passageway from the feed kettle to the slasher size box, a first source of size of a light consistency, a second source of size of a heavy consistency, a passageway for size leading from the first source to the feed kettle, a passageway for size leading from said second source to the feed kettle, a first valve adapted to control the flow of size in said first passageway, a second valve adapted to control the fiow of size in said second passageway, means for periodically measuring the consistency oi size in said feed kettle and translating each measurement or the size into movement including a member adapted to move a distance directly corresponding to the relative consistency of the size, said member having a first or starting position, a second position corresponding to a measurement indicating very light consistency size, a third position corresponding to a measurement indicating size just below the consistency desired in the feed kettle, and a fourth position corresponding to a measurement indicating size within a range of the desired consistency, instrumentalities actuated by said member on its movement through said positions to maintain both valves closed in the first position, to open the second valve in the second position, to open the first valve and maintain the second valve open in the third position, to close the second valve and maintain the first valve open in the fourth position.

2. A sizing apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, including means responsive to the level of size in said feed kettle to close both valves when the size in the feed kettle has reached a predetermined level and to allow said instrumentalities to operate said valves when the level of size is below said predetermined level.

3. A consistency control device comprising a feed kettle adapted to contain size of a desired consistency for feeding to a slasher size box, a passageway from the feed kettle to the slasher size box, a first storage kettle adapted to contain a light consistency size, a second storage kettle adapted to contain a heavy consistency size, a passageway for size leading from the first storage kettle to the feed kettle, a passageway for size lcading from said second storage kettle to the feed kettle, a first electrically operated valve adapted to control the flow of size in said first passageway, a second electrically operated valve adapted to control the flow of size in said second passageway, a first electrical circuit, a second electrical circuit, said first and second electrical circuits being connected to said first and second electrically operated valves and being adapted on energization to move said valves to an open position, a first mercury switch disposed in said first circuit. a second mercury switch disposed in said second circuit, means for periodically measuring the consistency of size in said feed kettle and translating each measurement of size into movement, a first member adapted to assume a number 01' difierent stations, said first mercury switch being attached to said member, a second member, a cam face on said first member, said second member adapted to workably contact said cam face, said second mercury switch being mounted on said second member, the first of said stations assumed by said first member being adapted to place both of said mercury switches in the open position to de-energize said circuits and close said first and second valves, the second of said stations being adapted to place said second mercury switch in its closed position and said first mcrcury switch in its open position to energize said second circuit to open said second valve to allow a fiow of heavy size from said second kettle to said feed kettle while maintaining said first valve closed, the third of said stations assumed by said first member placing the first mercury switch in its closed position to energize said first circuit and open said first valve and to maintain said second switch in its closed position to keep open said second valve, thereby causing a flow trom said first and second storage kettles into said feed kettle, the fourth of said stations assumed by said first member being adapted to place said second switch in its open position thereby to de-energize said second circuit to close said second valve and to maintain said first mercury switch in its closed position with said first valve in its open position to maintain a flow of light size only from said first storage kettle to said feed kettle.

4. A sizing apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, including means responsive to the level of the size in said feed kettle adapted to act upon said circuits to neutralize the action of said switches when the level of size in said feed kettle is above a predetermined level comprising, a float, a, third mercury switch in series with said first circuit, a fourth mercury switch in series with said second circuit, an operative connection between said float and said third and fourth mercury switches, said float being adapted to place said third and fourth mercury switches in their closed position when the level of the size in the feed kettle is below a, predetermined level and to place said third and fourth switches in their open position when the level or said size in said feed kettle is above a predetermined level. v

5. An apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said member is actuated by electrical instrumentalities including a timing device, a cylinder and a displacement piston contained within said cylinder to displace said piston, an electrical connection between said piston and said electrical instrumentalities whereby the instrumentalities move a distance proportional to the time required for the piston to fall and displace the size in said cylinder.

JOSEPH ALFRED CARRIER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

I UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS 20 Number Name Date 1,576,001 Olden Mar. 9, 1926 1,944,243 Kegl Jan. 23,1934 2,262,573 Bender Nov. 11, 1941 2,491,389 Norcross Dec. 13, 1949 

